212: From Bottomless to Sober with Jessica Dueñas: Finding Her Way Out of Pain212: From Bottomless to Sober with Jessica Dueñas: Finding Her Way Out of Pain
The Addicted Mind Podcast
How do we break the stigma around addiction and mental health support for people of color? It’s important that different communities are able to change that narrative so everyone is provided the adequate support they need. On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Jessica Dueñas who shares her story of addiction, recovery, and using her voice to help other people find their way out of pain. Jessica started with binge eating in her bedroom as a Latina girl growing up in New York City. By the time she got to college, her addiction had morphed into alcoholism. Years later, she was awarded Teacher of the Year in Kentucky but was still drinking a fifth of bourbon a day – a secret she had to hide from her peers, friends, and students. When she found her boyfriend lifeless from a drug overdose in his apartment, Jessica got out of control and deeper into her addiction, nearly dying herself in the months after his passing. Ultimately, she found recovery and has been sober since November 2020. Listen in as Jessica shares her story to help break the stigma of addiction and mental health treatment. Through her platform, Bottomless to Sober, she shares stories of people's recovery and continues to break the stigma of addiction.
40:26•19 Dec 2022
Jessica Dueñas: Breaking Barriers and Stigmas in Addiction Recovery
“I wouldn't do it any other way at this point. It helps change the narrative for our different communities around mental health.”
Ever wondered how someone can go from binge eating in their bedroom to drinking a fifth of bourbon a day, all while hiding it from everyone around them? In this episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Jessica Dueñas, who opens up about her journey through addiction and recovery. Growing up as a Latina in New York City, Jessica started with binge eating, which later evolved into alcoholism by the time she reached college.
Despite being awarded Teacher of the Year in Kentucky, she was secretly battling a severe addiction. The turning point came when she found her boyfriend lifeless from a drug overdose, spiraling her deeper into her own struggles. However, Jessica found a way out and has been sober since November 2020. Through her platform, Bottomless to Sober, she now helps others navigate their own paths to recovery.
Jessica's story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by people of color in accessing mental health support and breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out and being open about recovery, especially for first-generation college students and black communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of addiction and the power of resilience.
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